This is what happens to "liberal" priests

A Catholic priest in the Brazilian congress has been 'temporarily suspended from his priestly duties' because he supports the distribution of condoms to try and prevent the spread of AIDS.

BRASILIA, Brazil -- A Catholic priest serving in the Brazilian congress has been temporarily suspended from his priestly duties for supporting the free distribution of condoms to prevent the spread of AIDS.

The Rev. Luiz Couto has been suspended from his work in the northeastern state of Paraiba.

Archdiocese spokesman Eisenhower de Albuquerque says the church took the action because of Couto's public stance "in favor of the use of condoms, his support of gay marriage and his opposition to priestly celibacy."

Couto spokesman Jose Moreira says the priest is not a gay-marriage advocate but is an opponent of discrimination "including discrimination against homosexuals."

... What else can I say? Not much to comment on, that's the whole article I posted above. I can say, though, that this Rev. Couto is probably the priest I'd be least likely to take a gripe with that I've heard of. Favoring the use of condoms, supports Gay Marriage (according to the Archdiocese spokesman, Eisenhower de Albuquerque), and is all for priests obtaining womanly company ... And he hasn't been fired yet? He's such a liberal! :P

Although, his spokesman quickly stated (as though defending him against this "accusation") that Couto was not a Gay Marriage advocate, but was simply against '[the] discrimination against homosexuals'. Why exactly is he saying that like it's a bad thing? I know the Church isn't exactly the biggest supporter of Gay Rights, but actually resenting the prevention of actual discrimination towards them, as those words imply? I thought the Church was merely close-minded and corrupt by both faith and power, but are they truly plainly homophobic?

... Not that I'd put it past them, though.